The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1887-05-20
Simplicity VS.. Display.

Vhiio OWosSo HAS IcasOn LOT great prlut
in the conduct and standing of her schools,
it cannot be denied that there are tenden.
cies in certain directions which are open
to criticism, and which, in some instances
cause the parents of foreign pupils to
place their children elsewhere, rather than
complete a course here. For instance,
undue extravaganza in dress for the round
of receptions during the senior year, and
for the graduating or class day exercises.
That Owosso is not alone in this excess
is shown by the following, taken from the
School Moderator, of April 10Th, 1886,
urging general reform in this particular
1.-THE news items tell us that the Battle
Creek school board have abolished grad
uating exercises. One of the reasons al
legged by the paper which reported this
fact is, that it had grown to be day for
dress display and had become burden
which many of the parents could ill afford,
and OF which all were heartily sick. Can
not this be remcdied without abolishing
the day? May we not hear, this June, of
calico dresses and satin essays, instead of
satin dresses and calico essays?"
To return more particularly to our own
school. A few years ago. when recep
ton by the senior class to the teachers was
first instituted, twas very simple affair,
as to dress, and as to refreshments, yet
lacked nothing as token of respect and
appreciation on the part of the pupils to-
ward their teachers. Foolish ambition to
Guido preceding classes has increased the
expenditure year by year until at this last
reception to the teachers, confessedly far in
advance of all others in extravaganza, it is
safe to say that the expenses 10 every in.
dividual member of the class of 81 would
have been sufficient to serve entertainment
for all the guests, on the plan and style
which these receptions were inaugurated
This one-thirteenth of the whole expense
of the last reception. divided among the
thirteen members of the class, would have
made the individual apportionment light
enough so that it would have been pleas
urable offering, instead of the burden it
really was to many, who felt it both un-
called for and beyond what their circum
stances could afford. 1t can hardly be
claimed that this lavish outlay conveyed
any higher mark of respect toward the
teachers than the more modest reception
Of other days.
The matter of class badges might be
spoken Of as another small extravaganza;
also the fact that those chosen during the
junior year are laid aside and more expen-
sive ones procured during the senior year.
To pupil 10 whom economy is net merely
a virtue, but necessity, four Or five dol
lars expended during the course, for orna-
mental purposes merely, is an item Of
consideration.
1t may be argued that these fine dresses.
reception entertainments, class badges,
etc.. are not compulsory, and that individ
ual judgment may be used. But It takes
more moral courage than is developed in
most school boys or girls to withstand the
pressure, conscious or unconscious, which
IS brought to bear upon them-questions
as to the reason of refusal, petty sights
from the thoughtless, etc. And, again,
the self respect Of the pupil demands equal
sharing of class expenses, and something
which approaches equality in dress and
appearance, and also that personal reasons
or peculiar family circumstances shall
not become public property.
The majority of the members of any
class can vote to bring about reform, but
so long as the majority follow the extrava-
CANT lead of preceding classes, there seems
to be no recourse for the minority, only to
conform, If at a sacrifice, or else leave the
school, as some have done.
Will not the members of the class of 'Ss
arise In their might and institute new
and better order of things? ALUMNUs.
Look at the handsome wash dress